November Exhibit at LWCC

The November Exhibit at LWCC

Seeing Beyond the Obvious

11/7 - 11/28

The Gallery @ Common Grounds

 

As a contemplative photographer, I am learning to see beyond the obvious. Because I couple my time behind the lens with a running dialog of conversation and prayer with God, His Spirit leads me to look at things that I’d usually walk past or simply ignore. What I’ve discovered is when I actually expect those nudges from Him and obey them, He reveals to me deep and meaningful insight through the most ordinary of objects. The camera causes me to slow down so that I can intentionally walk with God, inviting Him to show me what He wants me to see.  

September at The Studio was based on this passion of mine: To See Beyond the Obvious. It was a very meaningful month where people used their cameras to slow down and see in a new way through their lens, be it a point-n-shoot, dSLR, or cell phone camera.  

This exhibit is a result of their participation in September @ The Studio. You will see their images, which may seem ordinary. But then you’ll read their reflections about their images. It’s here where we hope you can also see beyond the obvious. 

Consider how God may be speaking to you through the photographers’ images and reflections.  

grace & peace, deAnn Roe

 

Here are a few pieces you'll find in the exhibit.... 

 

Striking Contrast

The second night of September @ The Studio was titled “Drawing with Light.” We were encouraged to capture our images that evening in black and white, as it’s easier to pay attention to the effects of light on an object when shooting in monotone.

I used a close-up kit on my dSLR to get this image of striking contrast; it’s a vase on the counter. When I look at this photo, I am reminded how dark our beautiful world is and I’m keenly aware of the deep need for the Light of Christ to cast out all shadows. I want to be a carrier of His Great Light… 

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 The Message 

By deAnn Roe

Imperfections

Our house was built in 1900, or so says the deed. Every single time we dig a hole in the back yard to plant a shrub, we find interesting stuff from decades ago. Often we find very old bottles; some broken, some fully intact. This image is a close up of the neck of one of our non-descript backyard bottles.  

As you look at this bottle, it’s easy to point out the imperfections by way of the bubbles buried in the glass. Obviously, this was a useful bottle at one point in its life, maybe delivering life-saving medicine, maybe offering a cool drink, or maybe held a strong cleaning agent. 

I am this bottle. Bubbled up with imperfections and flaws, yet my Heavenly Father still sees value in me. He has a purpose for me and my life. He longs to have a loving and lasting relationship with me and asks me to surrender to His will… when I say, “yes, Lord,” He uses me to fulfill His purposes, despite my many flaws. He loves us despite our imperfections and we become perfect in Him.

 

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

 

By deAnn Roe

Mesh Shadows

The real beauty of this picture was only evident when I sat down to edit it. It was only then that I realized the silhouettes of my four sons, black and nearly featureless, still expressed their personalities perfectly! The daring one, the casual one, the timid one, and the showman. It was an amazing revelation to me! 

By Tim Trexler

Surrender

This little leaf vividly revealed to me the virtue of surrender.  I was drawn to how small, fragile, and flawed it was, its yellow hue slowly fading away. This dying leaf reminded me how I must continue to die to self and surrender completely to Christ in order to experience new growth in Him.   

I am so thankful that Christ has accepted me with all my flaws, defects, and brokenness.  Like the dying leaf, I must learn to let go and rest in Him, knowing that He will catch me when I fall.    

By Karen Shreiner

 

Unexpected Change

I am always running out of the house to photograph a sunset.  On this particular evening, I noticed that the light from the sunset was shining in the window onto the African Violets.   

I got curious and took a picture of the light reaching the flowers.  The light was reflecting on several different areas in the room.  Those reflections were captured by the camera and created colors and shapes that were unseen to my eyes.  This was unexpected and was truly a gift to me. 

Often the picture we see isn’t what God sees.  He sees what we are becoming as the reflection of His light and beauty reaches our lives. 

Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  Isaiah 43:18 – 19 

By Penny Heilman

All Creation Points to The Creator

I don’t consider myself a photographer. I just enjoy taking photos with my point and shoot camera using the automatic setting. I totally depend on my camera to do all the work, while I have fun with composition.     

On the evening of the first pre-sunset photo shoot, I was drawn to a tiny white wildflower I had never seen before. I thought little of it when I snapped the picture. But I was completely blown away, when I got home and blew up my photos on my computer screen!

 

This picture is pretty grainy, but if you study the center of each downy soft flower, you will notice the detail that captured my heart and inspired the title I chose to accompany my print. At the core of each blossom is a very distinct arrow; a unique indentation that appears to be stamped into each tiny white flower segment.   

I’m still amazed every time I look at the picture! I stand in awe, as I have a deeper appreciation for the creativity of our God! That He would include such a remarkable detail in a miniature member of the plant kingdom is mind boggling to me. On any other given day, I would have stepped over this example of God’ artistry, and I would have missed such a special moment with my Creator! 

I’m so thankful that He drew me closer to His heart by inviting me to capture His artwork through the lens of my camera. I was also so blessed by the pink ribbons of grass and the rosy stems that linked the petals to its’ life source.  

Thank You, Lord, for not letting me miss this special encounter with You. Through Your awesome creation, You helped me to “See Beyond The Obvious.” 

By Renee’ Barnhouse